Bariatric Cauliflower Crust Bariatric Pizza
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The truth is pizza is a universally beloved indulgence. However, we recognize that it may not align with the most nutritionally balanced meal choices, particularly when considering the dietary restrictions after bariatric surgery.
Thankfully, with a few alternative ingredients, you can effortlessly create a low-carb bariatric pizza that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. This pizza recipe features a nutritious cauliflower crust base as a gluten-free and low-carb option. Topped with flavorful ingredients, this pizza is a perfect addition to your bariatric recipe arsenal. Enjoy the classic pizza experience by pairing the cauliflower crust with your favorite pizza toppings, such as pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and black olives.
Now you can indulge in a guilt-free pizza night without compromising your dietary goals and bariatric needs!
Recipe Tip: Feel free to substitute high-protein ingredients like ground turkey with chicken breast or ground chicken. You can also experiment with pizza toppings like zucchini slices, arugula, turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, or onions. You can save time on this recipe by using a premade cauliflower pizza crust.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup 2% mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ lb lean ground turkey
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- ⅓ cup black olives
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove stems and leaves from the cauliflower and roughly chop it. Place the cauliflower in a food processor or blender until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
- Transfer the cauliflower mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and microwave for 6 minutes.
- In the meantime, heat a medium-sized pan and cook the ground turkey until browned.
- Once the cauliflower is done, place it in the middle of a cloth or cheesecloth. Gather the cloth around the cauliflower, twist the top together, and squeeze tightly to remove excess water, ensuring a crispier crust.
- After draining the cauliflower, transfer it to a bowl and add garlic, egg, ½ cup cheese, and seasonings. Mix well until the ingredients form a ball.
- Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet and use a rubber spatula to spread it into a crust shape using a rubber spatula.
- Bake the crust in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and firm.
- Remove the cauliflower crust from the oven and top it with marinara or pizza sauce, your desired veggies, meat, and remaining cheese.
- Return the pizza to the broiler for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Note
Serving size will vary after bariatric surgery based on food stage and tolerance. Consult with your bariatric healthcare team about appropriate food options based on your individual needs.